The role of nanofillers in promoting hybrid filler networking and synergism with carbon black in a hydrocarbon rubber

摘要

Nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending poly(l,4-cis-isoprene), carbon black (CB) and either an organically modified clay or carbon nanotubes. Continuous hybrid networks were revealed by electron microscopy. Hybrid filler systems led to composites initial moduli much higher than those calculated through the sum of initial modulus of composites containing either only CB or only the nanofiller. Synergistic effect between CB and the nanofiller is hypothesized.